Correctional Officer

State of Oklahoma•Warwick, OK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is seeking Correctional Security Officers for various positions across the state. Successful applicants will be required to attend an 8-week live-in academy in Oklahoma City, running from Sunday evening to Thursday evening, with weekends off. Prior to the academy, applicants will work at their assigned facility under the guidance of a Field Training Officer. Lodging and meals are provided during the academy. Facility assignments are based on applicant preferences. This role involves maintaining the security, control, and custody of inmates in state adult correctional facilities. The job family includes two levels: Correctional Officer, which is the basic entry-level position involving formal and on-the-job training in security and custody duties, and Corporal, a career-level position focused on full performance in inmate security and control, both within and outside the facility.

Requirements

Minimum age for service shall be twenty (20) years of age
Possession of thirty (30) semester hours from an accredited college or university; OR possession of a high school diploma acquired from an accredited high school or GED equivalent testing program AND graduation from a training course conducted by or approved by the Department and certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training either prior to employment or during the first six (6) months of employment
For Corporal level: 12 months of experience in correctional or security work for a governmental agency or private corrections agency (in addition to Correctional Officer requirements)
Knowledge of the fundamentals of English usage
Knowledge of basic math
Knowledge of reporting writing
Knowledge of the use and care of firearms
Knowledge of proper restraint methods and techniques
Knowledge of self-defense methods
Knowledge of the methods and objectives of discipline required for inmates under restraint
Knowledge of the psychology of inmate behavior
Ability to evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action
Ability to exercise alertness and be able to act quickly and effectively in an emergency situation
Ability to follow oral and written instructions
Ability to gather and organize facts and complete clear, concise reports
Ability to communicate effectively
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
Ability to maintain proficiency with firearms
Ability to assess and manage conflicts within the inmate population
Satisfactory completion of minimum testing or professional evaluation through Human Capital Management to determine the fitness of the individual to serve in the position with written evaluations submitted to the Department of Corrections
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment and annual physical examination that is consistent with and indicative of the conditions required to perform the job based upon the guidelines established by the Department of Corrections
Possess a valid driver’s license at the time of appointment in order to perform necessary travel
Subject to drug testing
Willing and able to work any assigned shift or day of the week, and additional shifts as required
No person who has been found guilty of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to any offense requiring registration under the Sex Offenders Registration Act is eligible for employment as a peace officer
No person who has been convicted of a crime of moral turpitude who has not received a full pardon from the proper agency is eligible for employment as a peace officer
No person who has been convicted of a nonviolent felony and who has not received a full pardon from the proper authority, or who has been convicted of any other felony offense, is eligible for employment in this job classification
No person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, who has not been pardoned for, or had the conviction expunged or set aside, or is subject to a court order that restrains the person from harassing, stalking, or threatening an intimate partner or the partners’ child or engaging in other conduct that would place an intimate partner or the partners’ child in reasonable fear of bodily injury and includes a finding that the person is a credible threat; or who has been dishonorably discharged from any branch of the armed services is eligible for employment in this job classification
May be designated as peace officers by the Director pursuant to 57 O.S. § 510 and required to meet the training and screening requirements conducted by the Department and certified by the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training to include any psychological or physical testing required for eligibility to complete a basic police course or be certified as a peace officer
Training will include physical conditioning, self-defense tactics, and receipt of an application of oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray

Responsibilities

Provides security and supervision to inmates in a variety of situations and activities; maintain security of an assigned area or post
Provides security and supervision over inmate work crews; escorts inmates to work sites; inventories and controls all equipment, weapons, tools and keys
Patrols yards, grounds, cell houses, corridors, dormitories and work areas on an assigned shift; observes activities and movements of inmates; manages inmate conduct, work and discipline
Maintains order and discipline in programs and during meals and recreation periods; inspects living areas, facilities and work locations for unauthorized objects or materials; makes reports on incidents
Operates manually or electronically controlled security equipment maintaining controlled movement of inmates, staff and the public
Conducts inmate counts; performs searches of inmates and living quarters for contraband; enforces institutional rules and regulations
Prepares written documentation and reports concerning inmate behavior, status and movement
Participates on escape and apprehension teams; responds to riots and fires
Interprets and executes post orders